ASHBURN, Va.—Redskins running back Alfred Morris enters the 12th game of the season only 18 yards shy of 1,000 yards. That’s quite an amazing feat for someone drafted in the sixth round—and who was not among the top three backs when training camp opened in late July.

But Morris is not a fluke; not even close to one. One reason the Redskins’ receiving game has been explosive the past couple games—and most of the season for that matter—is because of the threat posed not only by quarterback Robert Griffin III but Morris.

Redskins running back Alfred Morris enters the 12th game of the season only 18 yards shy of 1,000 yards. (AP Photo)

Teams want to walk an extra defender up in the box to help stop him, leaving receivers facing safeties either frozen by fakes or playing too shallow.

Morris also has helped the offensive line look good, too. He’s excelled at this for a couple reasons, starting with his ability to press the hole. More often than not, Morris gets the linebackers to commit to a hole before he cuts back to an opening. It happened time and again against Dallas and the result was that center Will Montgomery was able to reach his man better, creating a good cutback alley for Morris.

Because the rookie back runs with patience and excellent vision, he’s able to press the hole longer than most. Morris is not a burner by any means, but sometimes fast backs aren’t as patient. And the reason he’s excelling is because he’s learned to use other attributes. It’s working.